MIBEARS
BYLAWS
ARTICEL I - GENERAL
1. NAME
The MIBEARS, is incorporated under the laws of the State of Michigan as a non-profit entity and is hereafter referred to as the "Michigan Bears."
2. OBJECTIVES
To provide recreational and social functions for Bears, their friends, and like-minded men/woman who enjoy "Bear Culture" and to publicize this element of the Michigan Gay Community, promoting its ideas and presence.
ATRICLE II - MEMBERSHIP
1. ELIGIBILITY
This organization is open to all Genders with an interest in the above objectives. Its membership is not restricted to the Greater Michigan area and Non Michigan Residents
2. DUES
Dues shall be determined by the Council and are payable annually. Amount of dues shall be posted on the New or Renewal membership application.
A. All membership will be come due November 1 of each year beginning in January 1, 2021.
B. Members will receive three (3) dues notices before being dropped from the membership roster. Any member with outstanding dues after January 31 of any year, and having received three (3) notices will be dropped from the membership roster.
C. Any member who is dropped from the membership roster for non-payment of dues and at a later day wishes to rejoin the organizations will be required to do so as a new member. In this circumstance, the dues structure for a new member as described above will apply. Former members rejoining the group as a new member will receive a full new membership package.
3. TERMINATION
A. Any member may resign upon written request at any time to the President or other officer of the MIBEARS.
B. A member will be terminated and dropped from the rosters if their annual dues have not been paid in full by ninety (90) days as of November 1.
ARTICLE III - MEETINGS
1. MONTHLY MEETINGS
The Council will strive to have at least one function per month which is for all members. In many cases there may also be other activities. These are not on a planned exact-same-day-of -month basis; however, all members in good standing will receive a newsletter which outlines these activates, their locations, and dates.
2. COUNCIL MEETINGS
The Council will strive to meet at least once a month. The meeting will be called by the President on a mutually agreeable date.
3. CONDUCT OF MEETINGS.
The proceedings of the meeting shall follow general principles as set forth in MIBEARS Rules of Order.
ARTICLE IV - THE COUNCIL
1. SELECTION OF COUNCIL MEMBERS
Council members shall be elected by a vote of all members present at the November general membership meeting. Those members receiving the highest vote count will be considered elected. Ballots will be counted by at least three (3) members not on the ballot.
2. NOMINATIONS
Council members may volunteer to be on the voting ballot or be chosen from the floor by other members present. Those members whose names appear on the ballot must be contacted to ensure they are willing to serve should they be elected.
3. NUMBER OF COUNCIL MEMBERS
The Council shall consist of nine members. However, in the event of declining membership, the number of council members may be reduced. In turn, should the membership continue to grow in numbers, the Council may also be increased in order to give better representation to all members. The number of Council members will be determined by the present Council one month prior to the general election.
4. IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT
The immediate past President of the Michigan Bears shall be an emeritus member of the Council. He may guide and give suggestions to the current President and Council and will have voting power.
5. VACANCIES ON COUNCIL
Should a vacancy occur during the year, the Council shall appoint a member to serve for the remainder of that term. Further, should any Council member miss three (3) consecutive meetings, the President of the Council shall contact that member to determine if he still wishes to serve on the Council or if a replacement Council member should be made.
6. AUTHORITY
The governing and policy making responsibilities of the MIBEARS shall be vested in the Council who will be responsible for its finances and direct its affairs. All policies shall be formalized, recorded in the Minutes, and be on file with the MIBEARS Secretary.
ARTICLE V – OFFICERS
1. ELECTION OF OFFICERS
All officers shall be elected by the MIBEARS Council from the Council members.
2. DUTIES OF OFFICERS
President: The President shall be the head of the MIBEARS and shall preside at all meetings of the membership and Council. He/She shall will have vote on council issues other than to break a tie-vote.
Vice President: The Vice President shall perform the duties of the President in his absence.
Secretary: The Secretary shall supervise the recording of all MIBEARS proceedings.
Treasurer: The Treasurer shall supervise the financial accounting of the MIBEARS activities and shall sign all checks.
ATRICLE VI – COMMITTEES
1. APPOINTMENT AND AUTHORITY
The Council shall have the authority to appoint special committees as needed. The President will appoint the Committee Chairman. The Committee Chairman will select members to work with him on the Committee.
ATRICLE VII - FINANCES
1. SOURCE
The finances of the MIBEARS will be derived from the payment of the annual dues of its membership as well as from the proceeds of special functions organized during the year.
2. DISBURSEMENTS
The Treasurer shall normally sign all checks; however, in his/she for signing the checks as long as authorization is on file with the banking institution.
3. AUDITS
There will be an auditing committee with the Vice President being the Chairman along with not less than two (2) non-council members who will audit the books of the organization at least once a year. The Committee Chairman will determine the date(s) of auditing.
4. FISCAL YEAR
The fiscal year of the MIBEARS of Michigan shall be from December 1st through November 30th.
ARTICLE VIII - AMENDMENTS
1. REVISIONS
These Bylaws may be amended or altered by a two-thirds vote of the Council at a dully called meeting. Notice must be given to every Council member of such meeting and a quorum of 75% of the Council must be present at such a meeting before any amendments may be made.
These Bylaws have been adopted by the MIBEARS Council on January 9th 2021. The Bylaws Article II "Membership", Section 2 "Dues" were amended and approved by the MIBEARS Council, effective January 9th ,2021